Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has hinted he wants Fernando Torres to remain at the club.
Torres scored the opener and assisted on the second goal in Atletico's 2-0 win over Celta Vigo on the final day of the La Liga season before being given a rapturous standing ovation when substituted.
The former Chelsea and Liverpool striker returned to his boyhood club in January 2015 on loan from AC Milan and his contract is due to run out next month.
Torres revealed last week that there had been discussions over a new deal and Simeone said he would like the 32-year-old to stay on, as long as he continues to perform well.
Torres has scored in six of his last seven starts for Atletico, helping the team to a third-place finish and the Champions League final, where they will meet local rivals Real Madrid.
"Fernando has never complained about having to fight for his place," Simeone told a press conference.
"When I spoke to him I said I didn't want him to return as a club idol, but we needed him to be a team player and in the last four months he's played at a very high level.
"The two parties are starting to come together and we hope that everything is seen through the lens of performances. I focus on his performances, give my opinion and then the club work on it."
Simeone also congratulated Barcelona on winning the title.
"They had a fantastic season, they deserved to be champions, they had difficulties and because of our presence and Real Madrid they had to fight until the end," he said.
"I also want to thank our players for the job they've done. We're pleased with our season, we managed the situations in a roller coaster of a campaign. We're happy to be able to fight with the best teams in the world, with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
"When you finish three points off the top you get the sensation that if you work hard then you can do it."
Simeone also paid tribute to midfielder Tiago Mendes, who made his comeback against Celta over five months after breaking his leg.
"I love him a lot, he's a noble guy, he's strong and has enormous talent and experience, and we needed to see him play. He played with freedom, without fear and went in for a tackle in his first move."
Source: PA
